Gaming Wins Slump for April

Nevada casinos won $745 million from gamblers in April for a nearly seven percent decline, the result of a tourism slump caused in part by the Iraq war.

The decline reported by the state Gaming Control Board was the first after eight straight months of increases for the clubs. A breakdown of the statewide average showed declines in every major market around the state.

The Gaming Control Board's Frank Streshley said the start of a tourism slowdown began following the March 17 start of the U-S-led war against Iraq, and increased in April. He also says poor weather affected northern Nevada, and the Easter holiday - always a slow period for casinos - hit in April.

Streshley also said the percentage fees based on the win are now down $38 million so far this fiscal year from the amount that had been forecast. The percentage take collection for the year now totals about $510 million.

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